Update 1/10: “Hippie Radio 106.9” will make its debut tomorrow, 1/11/11 on 106.9 W295BI (the former 93.3 W227AK) and 95.3 WPLZ-HD2. Since the discovery of the domain, Citadel gave Hippie Radio a direct format competitor when it flipped Country “107.9 The Duke” WOGT to Classic Hits “107.9 Big FM” in November.
Original Report 10/21/10: Brewer Media of Chattanooga, TN will soon be joining the ranks of launching new radio stations in a market via HD2 and translator. The currently silent 93.3 W227AK’s construction permit to move to 106.9 with 250 watts at 299 feet will give the signal coverage of much of Chattanooga proper. The Chattanooga Media Blog reported in August that the translator will simulcast the HD2 signal of “News/Talk 95.3” WPLZ when that station adds HD capabilities.
Now we know what will grace that signal when it debuts; Radio Branding Solutions’ “Hippie Radio” Classic Hits format that recently lost its flagship outlet when 101.1 WHPI Peoria, IL flipped to “Jack-FM” last month. Brewer registered HippieRadio1069.com earlier this week. The Chattanooga market has been without a Classic Hits station since 97.3 WUUQ flipped to Classic Country in January.
In addition to News/Talk 95.3, Brewer Media also owns Urban AC “Groove 93” WMPZ, Urban “Power 94” WJTT, and Sports “105.1 ESPN” WALV.